Dental Oral Teeth

Shine Your Teeth and shine in life: Why you should make your dental health a priority.

Greetings everyone! Let’s talk dental health. Yes, I know, we all love our pounded yam, jollof rice, and suya, but how many of us think about what happens to our teeth after enjoying these delicacies? It’s time to pay attention. After all, a bright smile can open doors and create lasting impressions!

Why Do Dental Treatments Cost a Lot?
Some of us think, “Why should I spend so much money on my teeth?” Well, think of your teeth as an investment. Just like you invest in your children’s education or your business, investing in your dental health pays off in the long run. Good oral health prevents painful and costly problems in the future. When you maintain your teeth, you’re not just spending money; you’re ensuring that you can continue to enjoy your favorite foods without pain and smile confidently in every situation.

The Benefits of Good Dental Care

1. Healthy Teeth, Healthy Body: Poor oral health can lead to serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes. Keeping your teeth clean means keeping your whole body healthy.

2. Confidence Boost: Imagine walking into a meeting or a social gathering with a bright, confident smile. Your confidence levels will soar, and people will notice!

3. Save Money in the Long Run: Regular dental check-ups can catch problems early before they become serious and expensive. A little spending now can save a lot later.

Home Dental Care: Small Steps, Big Impact

Good dental care starts at home. Here are a few simple steps you can take:

  1. Brush Twice a Day: Morning and night, for at least two minutes. Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
  2. Floss Daily: It might seem unnecessary, but flossing removes food particles and plaque that brushing misses.
  3. Rinse with Mouthwash: This helps to kill bacteria and keep your breath fresh.
  4. Eat Tooth-Friendly Foods: Crunchy fruits and vegetables, cheese, and nuts can help keep your teeth strong.
  5. Visit Your Dentist: The Expert Touch

Just like your body needs a physician, your teeth need a dentist. Regular visits to the dentist can help catch problems early. Don’t wait until you have a toothache to see your dentist. Make it a habit to go for check-ups at least twice a year.

 

 
Involve Your Family and Friends

Oral health is a family affair. Teach your children the importance of brushing and flossing. Make it fun by brushing together. Share tips with your friends and encourage them to visit the dentist. You can even make it a group activity. When you involve your loved ones, everyone benefits from a healthier smile.

Let’s Change the Narrative

We need to change how we view dental care in Nigeria. It’s not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Investing in your teeth is investing in your overall health and well-being. Let’s start a movement of bright, healthy smiles across the country. Shine your teeth, and you’ll shine in life!

So, my people, let’s embrace good dental care habits and encourage our friends and family to do the same. Together, we can enjoy good oral health for life and keep flashing those dazzling Nigerian smiles everywhere we go.

 

Dental

Breaking Down Dental X-Rays (Part 1)

Dental X-rays are an important diagnostic tool that can help detect oral health problems that might not be visible to the naked eyes.

What are the benefits?

The benefits of dental X-rays include the ability to detect dental problems that are not visible to the naked eye, such as cavities, gum disease, and impacted teeth. This allows your dentist to diagnose and treat these problems before they become more serious.

So… you might be wondering are they safe?

Well, dental X-rays are generally considered safe, however, they do expose you to a small amount of radiation. To minimize your radiation exposure, your dentist will take precautions such as using a lead apron to cover your body and thyroid gland. They will also use the lowest possible radiation dose to obtain the necessary diagnostic information.

There are four main types: bitewing X-rays, periapical X-rays, panoramic X-rays, and cone beam CT scans however, each is them have their unique purposes.

To be continued…

Dental

Understanding Halitosis (Bad Breath) Part 2

What are the symptoms of halitosis?

The main symptom of halitosis is a bad odor from the mouth that is considered beyond a socially acceptable level. The odor can be worse in the morning or after smoking, drinking coffee, or eating certain foods such as garlic.

How is halitosis diagnosed?

Dentists often diagnose halitosis. The diagnosis is based on the person’s history and mouth odor during the dental exam. The entire mouth is checked to see if a cause can be found, such as an infection If the dentist can’t find the cause, he or she will refer you to an appropriate specialist, such as a doctor.

What is the treatment for halitosis?

Treatment depends mainly on the cause of the condition. Causes and possible treatments include:

1. Poor oral health care

Possible treatment

If the bad breath is due to improper oral healthcare, in most cases your dentist will treat the cause of the problem by carrying out necessary oral prophylactic treatments and educating you on proper oral hygeine. The patient will be closely monitored till the problem resolves and will be routinely followed up.

2. Gum disease

Possible treatment

If the cause is an underlying gum disease, the condition may be treated by your dentist. Or you may be referred to an oral specialist–in most cases, a periodontist. A periodontal cleaning often helps to remove the bacteria and tartar or plaque that has built up and is causing inflammation at the gumline.

3. Extensive plaque buildup

Possible treatment

Your dentist or periodontist may recommend an antimicrobial mouth rinse. Also, you may be told to brush your tongue gently each time you brush your teeth to help remove odor-causing bacteria.

4. Health Condition

Possible treatment

Diagnosis and treatment of an existing health condition may get rid of the bad breath.

How can I prevent halitosis?

Halitosis can be prevented or decreased if you:

• Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day.

• Brush your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth. Most bad breath bacteria live on the tongue. , So brushing or scraping the tongue can make a big difference in your breath.

• If you have dentures, take them out at night and clean them completely before putting them back in your mouth. Talk with your dentist before using deodorizing sprays or tablets. Some only mask the odor for a short time.

• If you smoke, quit. You will have better-smelling breath, and a healthier body overall.

• Keep your saliva flowing by eating healthy foods that make you chew. Carrots and apples require a lot of saliva. You can also chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candies. If you still don’t have enough saliva to keep your mouth moist, your dentist may suggest artificial saliva.

• Visit your dentist on a regular basis. Regular check-ups can find problems such as gum disease, infections, and dry mouth. If you have bad breath and the dentist can’t find a cause, you may be referred to your primary healthcare provider for more follow-up.

 

Dental

The Procastinator

The first time you felt the pain was about 6 months ago, you were chewing something and arrgh! There it was! A sharp pain that resolved within a few minutes.

It came back again about a week later, this time you had to pop some pain meds before you got some relief.